LONDON (CNS): The archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Cardinal Nichols, said in a congratulatory note to the new prime minister of Britain, Theresa May, that he is delighted at her appointment, because of the commitment she has shown in the fight against human trafficking.

May took over as leader of the ruling Conservative Party on July 13 after David Cameron formally resigned and has now moved into 10 Downing Street as the prime minister.

The cardinal reminded May, who has served as British home secretary since 2010, that she was at the Vatican in April 2014 for the launch of the Santa Marta Group, an initiative launched by Pope Francis to help the victims of human trafficking.

“This is a clear indication not only of your determination to use high political office for the protection of some of the world’s most vulnerable people, but also of your willingness to work with the Catholic Church at its highest levels,” the cardinal said in the letter.

“I know from the work we have done together that you have so many qualities to bring to the service of our countries at this time,” he wrote.

“I appreciate the maturity of judgment, the steely resolve, the sense of justice and the personal integrity and warmth you have always shown,” Cardinal Nichols wrote.

The cardinal said in his letter, “As you take up this new and demanding office of prime minister, I assure you of my personal support and I look forward to working with you across a wide range of issues in service of the common good.”

May supported the campaign to keep Britain in the European Union, but has indicated she will honour the wishes of the British people and take the country out of the bloc by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.